ABTA predicts two million Brits to head overseas this weekend

ABTA is estimating that two million British holidaymakers are set to head abroad this bank holiday weekend.

The Travel Association has reported that city breaks will prove a popular option for the bank holiday getaway and that many families will be heading to the beaches around the Mediterranean.

Spain ranks high, with temperatures expected to hit the low thirties over the weekend, and Malaga, Mallorca and Barcelona some of the most popular short haul destinations.

Further afield, the US has proved popular, with Orlando, New York and Las Vegas firm favourites. UK destinations have also proved popular this year, and Scotland and Ireland are top picks for quick getaways.

Airports around the country are expecting to be very busy, with Heathrow expecting 248,000 people to fly out on Friday alone, Gatwick expecting 311,000 to fly out over the entire weekend and 150,000 departing from Stansted.

Bristol Airport is anticipating that 55,000 people will depart over the weekend, while East Midlands are expecting 47,000 – almost 5% more than last year. Manchester Airport has reported that they are preparing for 103,000 to pass through its terminals in 24 hours.

Ports and the Channel Tunnel are also expected to be busy, as France remains a firm favourite for British holidaymakers.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive for the travel association, said: “This weekend is the traditional curtain closer for the peak summer months and it is always a very busy weekend for travel, with millions taking advantage of the long weekend to head off overseas. With the roads predicted to be extremely busy, holidaymakers should make sure that they leave plenty of time to get to their port of departure.”